I have heard of rapid cycling but not ultra. I kinda wonder if they are really the same since rapid cyclers can cycle a few times in just 1 day. I knew someone who had this type of bipolar it can be more difficult to treat but I believe it is treatable.

Yes. I have a friend that is ultradian. She can cycle within 20 minutes to two hours. A rapid cycler will cycle within a day or two. It is also the most dangerous, as they can be in a mixed cycle between manic and depressive. Some of them, depending on the trigger will take antipsychotics or antianxieties. It can be maintained, usually, but, to our knowledge, there is no 'cure'.

It is different for everyone, unfortunately. She has been on meds for YEARS. And she still can cycle. It does not happen often, any more, but once in a while something will hit her just right, and off she goes. Then she has to be watched, because she goes from suicidally depressed to manic, and in the switch, can still be suicidal, but have so much energy, that she could actually do it. Usually it is a combination of drugs that are needed, anti anxiety meds, relaxants, anti-psychotics, all can come into play. She, currently, is on a benzo-derived drug and a relaxer. Those seem to keep her 'grounded'. Good luck.

I have one as a friend. anyway, you don't have very many questions, but alas I'm up to my ears in ratings, I had no idea my quetion would be so popular. I rated ten of your questions. enjoy

Hmmmmmmm. I wonder why SHE would ask THIS question?? LOL

Yes, I've had it since childhood and ultradian is not ultra-rapid... it's actually ultra-ultra rapid... several nasty cycles throughout a 24 hour period. Meds tend to not be as effective as with it as with other forms of bipolar. The best treatment options I've found is that I worked with my psychiatrist to get PRNs (take as needed) of ativan and anti-psychotic (thorazine was effective with me). Also therapy to learn what could cause stress (and therefore trigger symptoms) and how to cope or what to avoid (when possible). Also to read EVERYTHING and I mean everything that I could get a hold of to educate myself to the max. Kept a mood journal and wrote when, why, how's and what I did to cope. Eat a proper diet by keeping a food journal and finding out if certain foods trigger anything. I stay away from chemicals in foods. I don't eat packaged foods because of the processing methods. I also need to make sure that I get proper sleep. Someone with this form of bipolar really needs to know themselves on the inside AND out. Because coping is just as important as treatment when this hits (which it still does and will). I could not get an education, family life, or job for years, but through therapy, knowledge, and support, I now have a stable life I've built around me. Stable, maybe not perfectly in my head and heart, but my network of ability to get to grips with this..... and no, I don't take meds (and yes, this was decided upon through psychiatrist and myself..... not an impulsive move), but as I've written, I have found many other ways of keeping it under check. I really hope that this helps answer your question.